Does a more inclusive future rest on investing in people and cultivating market conditions that encourage entrepreneurs to take risks, experiment, fail, succeed? Kenan Fikri, Research Director at the Economic Innovation Group, thinks so. Learn why via our ongoing series on an equitable innovation economy.

About the Innovative + Inclusive Economy Work Stream

Innovation and advances in technology have tremendous potential to boost economic growth and improve quality of life across Canada. However, the benefits are not accruing equally. Larger technology companies are dominating markets. Jobs are consolidating in major urban centres. Wealth and opportunity are accruing unequally, with a growing number of workers finding themselves in precarious or relatively low-paying jobs. Discrimination and barriers to entry are contributing to a lack of diversity in entrepreneurship, tech jobs, and other high-growth areas of the economy. While digital skills have become increasingly necessary, access to technology, education and training is uneven.

As Canada’s economic model shifts, we have an opportunity to build economic success that ensures greater prosperity for everyone in Canada, and does not perpetuate historical exclusions or inequities. Our work explores the distribution of risks and benefits that come from an innovation-driven economy and informs policies and programs that promote shared prosperity.

Housed at Ryerson University, the Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship prepares Canadians for the opportunities and risks in the shift to an innovation-driven economy. We provide insightful research and pilot ideas that inform thoughtful policy.